“I can well believe that Loie Fuller’s Salome is destined to add a Salome unforeseen of all the Salomes that we have been privileged to see. With M. Florent Schmitt’s music she connects the wonders of her luminous effects. This woman, who has so profoundly influenced the modes, the tone of materials, has discovered still further effects, and I can imagine the picturesqueness of the movements when she envelops herself with the black serpents which she used the other evening only among the accessories behind the scenes.” That evening between the two scenes, M. Claretie again spoke of my book; and, to sum up, it is thanks to his insistence that I decided to dip my pen in the inkwell and to begin these “memoirs.” It was a long task, this book was, long and formidable for me. And so many little incidents, sometimes comic and sometimes tragic, have already recurred during the making of this manuscript that they might alone suffice to fill a second volume. [Decorative Illustration] OLD FAMILY RECORDS In the muniment chests of many County Families there exist, without doubt, papers and records of very great historical and biographical value. From time to time a book will appear based upon such material. A preface will explain how the papers that appear in the volume were brought to light through the industry and enterprise of some antiquarian or man of letters, and how he had persuaded their owner to allow to be published what he had thought possessed interest only for himself and members of his family. * * * * * Not only documents and correspondence relating to literary, political, or historical matters are likely to prove of interest; but also family papers that tell of the social or domestic life of a past century or a bygone generation. Messrs. Herbert Jenkins Ltd. will be pleased at any time to advise the possessors of Old Diaries, Manuscripts, Letters, or any other description of Family Papers, as to their suitability for publication in book form. When deemed desirable the papers themselves, duly insured against loss or damage during transit, will, with the consent of the owner, be submitted to experts. * * * * * On all such matters advice will be given without involving the possessor of the original documents in any expense or liability. In the first instance a list of the papers upon which advice may be required should be enclosed, giving some particulars of their nature (if letters, by whom and to whom written), dates and approximate extent. * * * * * =DIRECTORS=: =ADDRESS=: SIR GEORGE H. CHUBB, BT. HERBERT JENKINS LTD. ALEX W. HILL, M.A. 12 ARUNDEL PLACE, HERBERT JENKINS. HAYMARKET, LONDON. Transcriber’s Notes Italics are indicated as _italics_. Underlines are indicated as =underline=.